Lakers Could Finally Fix Luka Dončić’s Biggest Problem With a Shocking Clippers Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers have a problem that has become impossible to ignore.

Despite having Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and Austin Reaves, the team still lacks the one thing that consistently derails championship contenders: reliable perimeter defense and athleticism.

And in a twist few would expect, the solution could come from across the hallway — the Los Angeles Clippers

.

🧱 Luka Needs Help on the Defensive End

The Lakers’ shortcomings were fully exposed when the San Antonio Spurs knocked them out of the NBA Cup. Poor point-of-attack defense, slow rotations, and limited athletic wings allowed opponents to attack relentlessly.

Marcus Smart helps — but he can’t fix everything alone.

If the Lakers want to make a legitimate playoff run, they need:

• A wing with size and athleticism
• Another defender capable of guarding the ball
• Lineup versatility for JJ Redick, who cannot survive the postseason trusting only five players again

📉 Why the Clippers Could Become Sellers

The Clippers are off to a disastrous 6–19 start, already buried in the Western Conference standings and far from the playoff picture. With little hope of turning the season around, the logical move would be to sell veterans and recoup assets.

That’s where the Lakers enter the picture.

Two names immediately stand out:

• Derrick Jones Jr.
• Kris Dunn

🛡️ Why Dunn and Derrick Jones Jr. Fit Perfectly

Both players were key contributors to the Clippers’ top-three defensive rating last season.

Kris Dunn would be a massive upgrade over Gabe Vincent:

• Elite point-of-attack defender
• Capable of guarding star guards
• Quietly shooting around 35% from three, making him playable offensively

Derrick Jones Jr. brings length, athleticism, and familiarity with Luka:

• Started for the 2024 Mavericks that reached the NBA Finals
• Benefited directly from playing next to Dončić
• Improved shooter and versatile wing defender

A reunion with Luka would make sense for both sides.

🔄 The Proposed Trade Framework

Here’s how a potential deal could look:

Lakers receive:

• Derrick Jones Jr.
• Kris Dunn

Clippers receive:

• Gabe Vincent
• Dalton Knecht
• 2031 first-round pick
• 2032 second-round pick

Yes, it’s expensive.

But it also fills multiple needs in one move.

⚖️ Is the Price Worth It?

The Lakers would be giving up all of their remaining tradeable draft capital — a serious cost in the second-apron era.

However, context matters.

• Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves are in their primes
• LeBron James is nearing the end
• Championship windows do not stay open

Vincent is on an expiring contract, and Knecht was nearly traded once already before a failed physical canceled the deal. Neither should be untouchable if the return materially improves the team.

🏁 Why This Trade Changes Everything

This move wouldn’t just help defensively — it would fundamentally reshape the roster.

• Luka gets defenders who can cover for him
• Redick gains lineup flexibility
• The Lakers add speed, length, and energy

Banners hang forever.

Draft picks don’t.

Convincing the Clippers to deal with their rival is never easy, but if they truly pivot toward the future, this is exactly the kind of offer that could force the conversation.

🔚 Final Thought

The Lakers don’t need another scorer.

They need defenders who can run, switch, and survive playoff basketball.

A shocking trade with the Clippers might be the cleanest — and boldest — way to finally give Luka Dončić what he needs to win another ring.